Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:01:10 +0100
Reply-To: t.benschop@pobox.ruu.nl
Sender: Christian explanation of the Scriptures to Israel
From: Teus Benschop
Subject: Catechism, 10
Q: Which is the fifth commandment?
A: The fifth commandment is, "Honour thy father and thy mother; that
thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee."
How is this command built up?
1. The command itself: Honour thy father and thy mother.
2. The promise annexed to it: That thy days may be long upon the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Q: What is required in the fifth commandment?
A: The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and
performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places
and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Q: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
A: The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any
thing against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in
their several places and relations.
It is required that I give all honour, love and fidelity to my father and
mother, and also to all who are my superiors. Further, that I obey their
voice, that is, that I do what they say. Even when my superiors are
somewhat harsh, I ought to obey him. As long as they ask from me things,
which are not against God's Word, I will obey them. It is God, Who has
given me my parents, and my other superiors. Also my behaviour to my
inferiors will be kindly, careful, and the like. And I ought to love my
equals likewise. All these things are expressed in the Bible. The first,
my behaviour towards my superiors, is expressed in the following places:
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit
yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." (Eph.5:21,22) The
children and servants have to obey their higher: "Children, obey your
parents in the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters
according to the flesh." (Eph.6:1,5) And Paul states in general that
everybody must be subject to his superiors: "Let every soul be subject
unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that
be are ordained of God." (Rom.13:1) And the reason is, that every power
is ordained by God. So, the police in the country are ordained by God.
Likewise the government, the army, and all the higher powers.
Disobedience towards them is therefore not only a crime towards men, but
also towards God. Strike is a great sin, committed against God. And when
you say, that your boss gives too little money, then I answer: "That is
but so in your opinion, and in the opinion of the others. But remember,
God asks obedience, not striking". Transgressions of the laws of the
government are sins against this fifth commandment. Even the little
transgressions, even those who nobody sees, but God.
The superiors, on their turn, have to be well-disposed towards their
lowers, like the Scriptures say: "And, ye masters, do the same things
unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in
heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." (Eph.6:9) Also
herein is sinned much. Some masters are so bad, that they, as it were,
urge their people to rebel against them. Although rebellion is sin, also
the causing of rebellion is sin against God and men. This command
requires our good behaviour towards the other. When this commandment is
followed up, how righteous would it be! Reader, remember that the
commandments of God are given to our benefit. However, who will obey
them?
Q: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long
life and prosperity [as far as it shall serve for God's glory and
their own good] to all such as keep this commandment.
It is like the apostle Paul said: "Honour thy father and mother; (which
is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Eph.6:2,3) And, in contrast
herewith, says the Scripture, that who curses his father or mother, he
will soon come to an end: "And he that curseth his father, or his mother,
shall surely be put to death." (Exod.21:17) This promise of a long life
in case of obedience, is given, in order that we have a spur to obey the
more our fathers and mothers.
We cannot turn this the other way around, and say, that who dies
early, must necessary be a sinner against this commandment. For, that
does not follow. There may be another reason, or the sole divine will. Of
course, the punishment of sin is death. While we all are sinners, we
deserve the death. Therefore, when God promises a long life on earth,
this is pure grace. And let we keep this in mind, and not make God being
obliged to do us well.
Concerning the commands in general, when you feel yourself utterly unable
to keep them, know that you feel the truth. Those commandments must be
kept by us, but we are utterly unable to do that in due manner. The more
you try to keep the commandments, the more you see your impossibility.
When you, on the other hand, get the idea that you are keeping the law
rather well, it is time that God opens your eyes to see the truth. We
have to obey, and who not does so will inevitably perish. "Cursed be he
that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the
people shall say, Amen." (Deut.27:26) The sinner will be cursed, for God
asks righteousness of us.
For all those, who no longer see the possibility to keep the law, I
have the next message: Believe in Jesus Christ, to the forgiving of your
sins. I say not: believe in Christ to stay a sinner, but I say: Believe
in Him, in order that He makes you righteous. Do not abuse grace by
continuing in your sins, but be thankful. Those who are unable to obey
God in due manner, must seize the last opportunity which I offer you in
the Name of God: Believe in Christ.
About all those who were sinners, and now believe, is said: "Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Cor.6:10,11)
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Chr-Exp, a Christian explanation of the Tanach and the New Testament
Editor: Teus Benschop - t.benschop@pobox.ruu.nl
No copyrights on this publication
Institution Practical Bible-education, the Netherlands
End of Catechism, 10
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file: /pub./resources/text/ipb-e/cate: cat-010.txt
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